Warne to sign with Melbourne Stars, Hogg a Scorcher

Shane Warne is expected to announce his signing with the Melbourne Stars in this summer's Twenty20 Big Bash League.

After a period of doubt about what part Warne would play in the BBL, The Age has reported that Warne will be unveiled as a signing with the Stars next week. It is understood he will be available for all seven games.

While the Stars are at pains to suggest that no official deal has yet been struck, Warne's return to the Australian summer at the age of 42 was always likely to be for the team that will play its home matches at the MCG.

"We understand through Shane Warne's Management that he is still considering offers from several teams, including the Melbourne Stars," the Stars chief executive Clint Cooper said in a statement. "We anticipate a decision as to which team Shane will play for after detailed consideration of all offers within the next week."

Warne's manager, James Erskine, has said that there were plenty of considerations for any decision.

"He went out on the ultimate high in Australia, taking 700 wickets, winning the Ashes. He's as fit as he's ever been and he believes he is still one of the top spin bowlers in the world but he is 42 and realises if he plays there is a certain amount of hype and media attention that comes with that," Erskine told The Age.

"One of the advantages would be that his kids are now old enough to watch him play which they might not have been before. There is a plethora of things to weigh up."

Another former Australia spinner, Brad Hogg, has announced his participation in the BBL, signing on with the Perth Scorchers at the age of 40. Hogg retired from cricket in February 2008.

"I'm a WA boy and really looking forward to being part of the very first Perth Scorchers side for the KFC T20 Big Bash League," Hogg said. "I've been training hard and playing a bit of District cricket the past few years, and I would not be taking on this challenge if I didn't believe that I could have an impact for the Scorchers.

The Scorchers' coach, Mickey Arthur, described Hogg as a "three-in-one" player.

"Hoggy is another of what I would term a three-in-one cricketer as he offers us outstanding skills with the bat, the ball, and in the field," Arthur said. "Even though he turned 40 this year he has still been playing regularly and performing well at WACA District level, and the manner in which he plays and trains belies his age."